Articles in Category: Cocaine

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is an incredibly addictive illicit substance. Research shows that once a person experiments with cocaine he often cannot control the degree to which he will desire and use the drug. In the U.S. cocaine is the second most commonly used illicit drug. According to About.com, nearly one percent of Americans, or 2.1 million people use cocaine. On the black market, cocaine has been referred to as White Pony, Flake, Line, Coke, Dust, Rock, Crack, Powder and Sneeze among others. It is white in color and has the texture of a fine powder or crystal paste. It is rarely pure, often combined with sugar, flour and other additives. Unlike cocaine, crack cocaine has the shape of a rock. It is often a cream or salmon color. Cocaine has its origin in South America, as it was first extracted from the leaves of the coca plant there. It is classified as a stimulant that affects the central nervous system as well an appetite suppressant. Cocaine may be sniffed, snorted, injected or smoked. Cocaine creates of sense of euphoria, alertness, feelings of well-being as well as increased energy, focus and motor activity. Often, the user feels high, powerful, confident, and invincible. Although, after the euphoric sensation disappears the user is left feeling hyper-alert, agitated, depressed, anxious, and paranoid. Tremors, convulsions and increased body temperature are also common with excessive doses. Addictive use of cocaine use typically leads to severe physical and social problems.

For many years, it has been that people who are caught selling or using crack cocaine have received higher sentences and harsher punishment than those who are accused of the same types of crimes, but instead with powder cocaine.

Cocaine is a drug that can not only cause chemical changes in the brain but can also affect how the brain functions. It is a nervous system stimulant that increases levels of dopamine and causes excessive amounts of the chemical to build up in the synapse or junction between neurons.

Jennifer, writes:
Cindy, yesterday we found what turned out to be Cocaine in my daughter Sarah’s room. Now that I think of it, Sarah is suddenly very argumentative, barely sleeps, and is very anti-social. You should also know that her father and I separated 6 months ago, approximately when the changes occurred. What can I do?

Cindy, writes:
Jennifer, it is clear that Sarah is having a difficult time with acclimating to the separation. She is acting out and avoiding her feelings by using Cocaine. The best course of action is a residential treatment program. Sarah’s Cocaine use be addressed through individual, group, and family therapy. Hang on, it only gets better from here.

Troy from Nashville, TN writes:
Hi Cindy, I found out, probably a week and a half ago, that my son was doing Meth pretty heavily. He has flunked out of college, and is living with his girlfriend. I was hearing rumors about him using Meth, and had hoped it was just a one time thing, well it’s not. When I confronted him about it, he seemed delusional. He was telling me how he was seeing bugs coming out of his skin, hearing voices, and he went on telling me about conspiracies involving alien life forms. He is convinced that everyone is infected with parasites, and is even talking about drinking ammonia to kill these “parasites”. I have tried to get through to him, but I can’t seem to reach him. I know that if we don’t do something soon, I will lose him. I am afraid for my son’s life, and I know that something has to be done fast.

Cindy writes:
Hi Troy, thank you for writing in. I know this has to be tough for you to see your son being held captive by such a powerful drug. When Meth gets a hold of someone, it does not let go easily. Unfortunately, right now, the Meth has a hold of your son. You are correct when you say that something has to be done soon. You talked about when you spoke to your son, how he was very delusional, how he talked about seeing bugs and hearing voices. That person you spoke to was not your son, you were speaking to the drug. Your son is absent, but not gone. There are options available to help get your son back. An intervention could be a great starting point.This would give your son the opportunity to take to the first step, and accept the help he so desperately needs. Along with a period of detoxification, your son could then begin the treatment process. There is hope for your son, and with the right treatment plan, recovery is possible.

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